Green at Any Age
World Environment Day may be just one day a year, but eco-living is about small, thoughtful changes every day that can have a lasting impact. And it’s not just for the young. Climate change and rapid population ageing are happening at the same time; together, their effects will impact older adults’ health and well-being. Taking care of our planet is the responsibility of everyone and as older adults look for meaningful ways to make a difference, embracing sustainable habits can be a good place to start.
Everyday green habits for senior
For older adults, many sustainable practices also support aging in place, lower utility bills, and promote healthier lifestyles. Here are seven simple and effective ways seniors can embrace sustainability:
1. Sustainability begins at home. Use energy-efficient appliances and LED light bulbs. Turn off lights. Open windows for fresh air instead of running HVAC when possible.
These steps lower greenhouse gas emissions and help reduce household energy costs—benefits that add up over time.
2. Reusable beats disposable. Opt for cloth napkins, reusable water bottles, and grocery bags. Avoid single-use plastics when possible.
Switching to reusable items helps cut down on landfill waste and reduces plastic pollution—a growing global concern.
3. How low-waste can you go? Recycle paper, plastics, and glass following local guidelines. Compost kitchen scraps if possible. Donate unused items instead of discarding them.
These efforts minimize waste and support circular economies that conserve resources.
4. Think global, buy local. Visit local farmers’ markets or take part in community-supported agriculture (CSA). Buy fresh, seasonal produce that doesn’t require long-distance shipping.
Locally sourced foods often have a lower carbon footprint and support small-scale farmers.
5. Water is precious. Install low-flow showerheads and fix leaky taps. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean patios or sidewalks.
Water conservation protects a vital natural resource and can reduce utility costs.
6. Small but mighty thoughtful. Declutter with purpose, donating to charities or resale shops. Choose energy-efficient housing when considering a move.
Rightsizing helps reduce material consumption and energy use while supporting a more manageable lifestyle.
7. Alternative routes. Walk or use public transit when possible. Coordinate shopping trips with neighbors to cut down on driving. Find ways to carpool with others.
Fewer car trips mean fewer emissions, contributing to cleaner air and healthier communities.
Seeing green
Eco-living also includes making time to enjoy and care for the natural world. Gardening offers both physical and mental health benefits, including improved mood, reduced stress, and light physical activity. Tending to a garden—whether in a yard, container, or community plot—also fosters a deeper appreciation for nature and the seasons. Emilee Weaver, the program manager of therapeutic horticulture at the North Carolina Botanical Garden, explained to The New York Times, “Working with plants, people kind of see where they fit in the world. They see why they’re valuable because of the cause-and-effect relationship that plants so visibly articulate.”
Spending time outdoors has also been shown to improve cognitive function and lower blood pressure in older adults. Moreover, exposure to the outdoors, sunlight, and green spaces can improve seasonal depression within a couple of days, reduce the risk of death from a respiratory disease by 34%, and make exercise feel easier and less strenuous. Even a daily walk in a green space can be restorative and help reconnect with the rhythms of the natural world.
Supporting sustainable choices
Caregivers can be a champion as well as a cheerleader by helping older adults live environmentally friendly lifestyles. With thoughtful planning and encouragement, caregivers can make sustainable living easier and more enjoyable for seniors by:
- Encouraging eco-friendly routines, like turning off lights or recycling.
- Helping with sustainable errands to farmers’ markets or garden centers.
- Supporting accessible gardening, such as raised beds or indoor herb pots.
- Offering research help to learn about local sustainability efforts or join online communities.
Sustainability isn’t just a global issue, it’s also a personal one. Older adults have the opportunity to model care for the environment in practical, everyday ways. By embracing eco-friendly habits, connecting with nature, and making mindful choices, seniors can help build a healthier planet for generations to come.
Sources: UN; Human Good; Center for Biological Diversity; USANA Foundation;NYT;Healthline;